Celebrating nearly 500 years as the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United Sates, don’t be fooled by the age of this vibrant city. This abuela (grandmother) of american cities will surprise you with amazing restaurants, a vibrant city core, miles of beaches, a touch of sinfulness, and historic sites to explore that will turn back time.

As a getaway destination, there is more than a few days needed to experience the scope of St. Augustine’s richness. As a couple’s romantic destination, a girlfriend’s weekend retreat or a family beach vacation, a simple walk over the Bridge of Lions will tease excitement of what historic St. Augustine has to offer.

Where to Eat in St. Augustine

Good question? Would you like the old city or the more modern? Would you like seafood (fresh catches right from the ocean), farm to table freshness, or have a specific taste preference? I’m certain St. Augustine can satisfy it.

Catch 27 – deliciously delivering fresh seafood made from scratch with the freshest of locally sourced ingredients – what a treat! Try their cheese board as an appetiser with smoked blue cheese and drunken cherries, and any cocktail that features the distinctive St. Augustine gin.

Our latest piece for the Alamo Rent a Car Scenic Route hub is live and it’s all about our favorite family destination: the North Florida coast and inland! We love to visit and explore Florida, not just because of its sunshine, but because of its beautiful nature, fascinating history, and cool cultural finds.

From tip to tip, Florida has some of our top picks for family travel just perfect for exploring the Scenic Route, but the North Florida coast is really a gem. Check out our full piece on Alamo’s site, but here’s a little preview of what you’ll find. And each picture is just a hint… cuz who doesn’t love a good suspense post, right?

Fun fact: did you know that the oldest city in the USA is in Florida? It’s true, and we love visiting St. Augustine for a flashback in time and cool activities with kids. There’s more to it though…

Celebrating nearly 500 years as the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United Sates, don’t be fooled by the age of this vibrant city. This abuela (grandmother) of american cities will surprise you with amazing restaurants, a vibrant city core, miles of beaches, a touch of sinfulness, and historic sites to explore that will turn back time.

As a getaway destination, there is more than a few days needed to experience the scope of Historic St. Augustine’s richness. As a couple’s romantic destination, a girlfriend’s weekend retreat or a family beach vacation, a simple walk over the Bridge of Lions will tease excitement of what historic St. Augustine has to offer.

Where to Eat in St. Augustine

Good question? Would you like the old city or the more modern? Would you like seafood (fresh catches right from the ocean), farm to table freshness, or have a specific taste preference? I’m certain St. Augustine can satisfy it.

Consider these great restaurants from our recent visit:

Catch 27, St. Augustine: deliciously delivering fresh seafood made from scratch with the freshest of locally sourced ingredients – what a treat! Try their cheese board as an appetiser with smoked blue cheese and drunken cherries, and any cocktail that features the distinctive St. Augustine gin.

Pack your bags for Key West! This LGBTQ playground provides visitors with some of the most unique and exciting things to do, see, and experience throughout the year. Here are five of our favorite annual events that make this island destination one of the most popular places for travelers from around the world.

Key West Pride

Celebrate Pride—island style. Key West Pride is not just about the party, it also brings the entire community together to show off its long history of LGBTQ inclusivity. After all, the their motto is “One Human Family.” With a street fair, parade, and parties at some of the best bars and clubs, you’ll discover one of the most integrated and unique communities in the world. Show your Pride from June 6-10, 2018.

Key West Tropical Heat

The subtropic island of Key West might be hot, but temperatures are only rising in anticipation of Tropical Heat, a four day all-male, all-adult festival running from August 15-19, 2018 that’s filled with clothing-optional pool parties, not-to-miss drag shows, and the late-night happenings that have made Key West a go-to gay getaway in recent years. Hit the sizzling kick-off party at Big Ruby’s Resort, dance the night away at Aqua Nightclub, or lounge poolside at the Bourbon Street Pub. Complete with the beloved, long-standing tradition of gay bingo, and even a saloon Dungeon party, this Key West event is one-of-a-kind!

We offer a complimentary breakfast buffet and an open bar, as well as multiple level tanning decks, a 24 hour heated pool & Jacuzzi.

Alexander’s Guesthouse is a retreat for your soul… with comfortable beds and crisp white linens, a lovely pool and jacuzzi to melt your worries away, and delicious breakfasts to get you started each morning and a friendly Happy Hour.

They have a motto in Key West: “One Human Family.” Coined by James Thompson — an HIV-positive activist, organizer, and designer — it represents Key West, the tiny island best known for its queer inclusiveness.

“Inclusiveness is part of our heritage,” one tour guide told me when I visited last August. Its embrace of diversity and willingness to set itself apart from the Florida mainland goes back to its origins as a haven for an eclectic blend of Native Americans, Spanish, freed slaves, seafarers (including pirates), queers, and creatives. The island known as the “southernmost point in the continental U.S.” sided with the North during the Civil War and later served as home to famous writers like Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, and Judy Blume.

The charm Key West offers is so unlike other Florida cities that many locals call it “Unflorida” and consider the island to be “more Caribbean than the United States.” Its reputation as a refuge for LGBT people has been reflected in local politics: The city was one of the first in the U.S. to elect an out gay mayor (Richard A. Heyman in 1983).

Lilith Pad Bungalow is located in the heart of Blue Mountain Beach, just 2 miles from Grayton Beach and 5 miles from the famous town of Seaside. Our home is nestled on a 1/2 acre property, surrounded by old growth Florida pines and a natural landscape.

Our home also boasts a sound system that offers sound in every room of the home and both front and back porches. There’s ample outdoor living space including a covered grill pad with room for seating and a fenced in back yard for our furry friends.

We built the home in 2003 with our own hands, and those of friends and family and it was our primary residence until life moved us to the Pensacola area. We still consider the house our home and have provided all the comforts of home we hope you will enjoy during your stay.

Welcome to Amelia Island’s 1905 Hoyt House Bed and Breakfast Inn, an exclusive boutique hotel that blends romantic elegance, comfort and great service.

Come spend a weekend (or a week) in our relaxing atmosphere at our beautiful Amelia Island Inn, which is set in Ferdinanda Beach’s Historic District. We’re close to a number of fantastic restaurants, wonderful shopping, and all kinds of antiques. Amelia Island is a great place to get away from your normal life, get refreshed, relaxed, and recharged.

Now’s an ideal time to visit Amelia Island and to stay at the 1905 Hoyt House B&B – we offer elegant guest rooms, and amazing gourmet breakfasts. We’re more than just a Bed & Breakfast – we’re a unique boutique hotel on a very unique island.

Hoyt House is ideal for a romantic weekend, an unforgettable honeymoon, or for celebrating a special occasion with your partner.

Hoyt House offers ten oversized guest rooms, four common area salons with original hand-tiled fireplaces, afternoon snacks, bicycles for guest use, a large video library, and relaxing, rocking porch swings where you can pass a peaceful morning with a cup of coffee and a good book.

The inn also has luxurious leather couches next to the fireplace, perfect for relaxation with a glass of your wine. Or you can listen to a piano serenade played by another guest.

Our lovely gardens include a heated pool with and jacuzzi, as well as lounge chairs, shaded tables, and a beautiful old-fashioned gazebo – the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon or evening after a day at the beach.

The garden and Gazebo can also be decorated for weddings and other special occasions hosted on the beautifully landscaped grounds of Hoyt House – we welcome weddings for gay and lesbian couples!

Our wrap-around veranda has a view of the historic St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, originally built in 1861, the site of many wonderful celebrations and gatherings.

If you’re looking for total relaxation, comfort and romance, come stay with us at Hoyt House on Amelia Island for your next vacation!

This was one of our highlights from our trip in Florida, especially the life size recreation of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and all those Marvel fantasies brought to life. Universal is simply overwhelming, exciting and completely magical!

This is our 5 favourite rides at Universal Studios in Orlando, which we loved so much, we went on each of them at least 2/3 times.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Harry Potter fans will be blown away the moment they step into Diagon Alley at Universal Studios for their first time. The immense detail that has gone into recreating everything is simply astonishing, from the Butterbear stands, the dragon atop Gringotts Wizarding Bank and the many different wizarding shops where you can buy souvenirs, wands and more.

On the other side of the Wizarding World, which is located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you can visit Hogwarts school and take the Forbidden Journey. This is a motion-based dark ride through Hogwarts and its impressive grounds with Harry and Ron leading the way. It’s so lifelike that you really feel like you’re flying on a broomstick through a Quidditch match. A must for all Harry Potter fans.

Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay:

Welcome to At Journey’s End Bed & Breakfast, conveniently located in the heart of historic Saint Augustine.

We’re on a quiet side street, away from street traffic and noise, but stil just steps away from everything the Oldest City in America has to offer:

The Castillo de San Marcos

Lightner Museum

Flagler College

The Bridge of Lions

The Bayfront

There are many fine restaurants and boutique shops, as well as ocean beaches and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. At Journey’s End is the ideal Bed and Breakfast for your visit to the Ancient City.

At our St. Augustine Bed & Breakfast, we offer the sophistication of a Bed & Breakfast with the comforts of a home! Your hosts, John Gallagher and Tim Millbern, are well-known in town for their welcoming personalities and the friendly, relaxed atmosphere they have created at their Saint Augustine Inn. You’ll arrive as a guest, and leave as our friend!

Our late 1800’s Victorian House is comfortably designed and decorated to make your stay in St. Augustine enjoyable. With only 5 guest rooms, we’re able to give our guests the personal attention and hospitality they deserve. Every room is individually decorated and appointed with: